Howling 'wolf-type dogs' found roaming UK city are identified

DNA tests showed the three animals are a mix of gray wolf and Czechoslovakian Vlcak, and they are now permanently cared for by the specialist charity Wolves of Wiltshire.

Three previously-emaciated 'wolf-type' dogs found roaming a UK city have been identified and are now permanently cared for by the specialist charity Wolves of Wiltshire. DNA tests provided by Embark and ordered by 8 Below Husky Rescue showed a substantial wolf heritage. The local council said it had been told by its kennelling contractor that the animals were a German Shepherd type and that it does not carry out DNA testing. Wolves of Wiltshire said the animals are comfortable, safe and recovering, and that the centre is focused on their welfare rather than turning them into pets. Known details: - DNA results for Little Timmy, Brooke and Boo came back as about 49.1% Gray Wolf and 50.9% Czechoslovakian Vlcak, according to tests provided by Embark. - The tests were ordered by 8 Below Husky Rescue, which first took the animals from the council. - Wolves of Wiltshire now have the animals permanently and said they hold specific licences to care for them. - Oli Barrington, a trustee at Wolves of Wiltshire, said the dogs are comfortable, safe and recovering and that the centre does not plan to make them into pets. - The local council said the dogs were in its care only for a short statutory period and that it relied on the description provided by its kennelling contractor rather than DNA testing. - According to the PDSA, in the UK wolf-dogs that are three generations removed from a wolf are legal to own, while first and second generation animals require a licence and are classed as exotic animals. Summary: The immediate result is that the animals are now in specialist care and reported to be recovering. Any further legal or ownership details were not stated and are undetermined at this time.